Swan Hill Turns to Classical Music to Combat Vandalism
The regional town of Swan Hill in Victoria, Australia, has adopted a novel approach to tackle persistent vandalism and late-night loitering. Instead of deploying more security personnel or increasing patrols, the local council is playing classical music outside public toilets. This strategy aims to make the area less inviting for individuals who tend to linger and cause disruptions.
Why Music Instead of Security Guards?
The Swan Hill Rural City Council introduced this idea after the public toilets on McCallum Street in the town centre became a repeated target for vandalism. Council representatives reported that the damage included graffiti, broken fixtures, and more serious incidents. These problems forced regular repairs and led to ongoing maintenance costs. Officials decided to use classical music as a low-cost, continuous solution to change the mood around the area and discourage late-night gatherings.
They believe the sound acts as a soft barrier, making the spot less comfortable for lingering. It also signals that the space is being actively managed without the need for physical enforcement. The council hopes this approach will protect public facilities and reduce repeated damage effectively.
What Music Is Being Played?
The playlist features well-known classical pieces such as Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries and Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. The goal is to prevent crowds from forming outside the toilets and lower the chances of vandalism. This trial is expected to run for six months. After this period, the council will evaluate its effectiveness and consider expanding it to other locations if successful.
A Tactic Used Beyond Swan Hill
While Swan Hill's method might seem unusual, similar strategies have been tried in other places. Music has been used in various public spaces to discourage loitering and reduce nuisance behaviour. For now, Swan Hill's message is clear: when extra enforcement fails to stop the problem, classical music might offer a creative and peaceful alternative.
